Ankylosaurus

Artist Rendering of Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurus is one of the most famous armored dinosaurs. It belongs to the group Thyreophora (a suborder of Ornithischia). Reaching lengths of up to 33 feet and weighing up to 13,000 pounds, it had the potential to be over six feet tall. Often referred to as a “living tank,” this large herbivore was one of the most well-protected animals ever to live. The back, tail, neck, and head were covered with osteoderms (bones that develop within the skin).

Along with being covered in bony plates and spikes, possibly the most famous attribute of this animal is on its tail. At the base of the tail, Ankylosaurus had a large and thick bony club made up of several osteoderms. The club was 2 feet long, 1.6 feet wide, and 7.5 inches tall in one individual. It is widely accepted that the Ankylosaurus used this club as a defensive weapon to ward off, injure, or even kill potential predators.

October is “dinosaur month!” Every weekday of this month, you can come back to our Kids site to read about my 20 favorite dinosaurs. I hope you’ll join me!